Electrical-energy meter

ABSTRACT

A presently-preferred embodiment of an electrical-energy meter comprises a base adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface, a current sensor assembly comprising a plurality of contact blades extending through the base and adapted to electrically contact a conductor of electrical energy, and a current transformer mechanically coupled to the base and electrically coupled to the contact blades. The electrical-energy meter further comprises a circuit board assembly comprising a main circuit board electrically coupled to the current transformer and the contact blades. The electrical-energy meter also comprises a circuit-board support member comprising a rim portion fixedly coupled to the base, and a first bracket adjoining the rim portion. The first bracket has a first and a second leg each extending away from the rim portion and the base and each being adapted to securely engage the main circuit board.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to distribution systems for electricalpower. More particularly, the invention relates to a solid-state meterfor measuring the consumption of electrical energy in, for example, aresidential dwelling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solid-state electrical energy meters, also referred to as “watt-hourmeters,” are used on a widespread basis in commercial and industrialapplications. Solid-state meters offer advantages in relation toconventional electro-mechanical electrical-energy meters. For example,solid-state electrical-energy meters can incorporate features that offerprogrammability, as well as flexibility in tailoring the variousfunctions of the meter to a particular user, without substantiallyincreasing the overall cost of the meter.

The use of solid-state electrical-energy meters in residentialapplications has not progressed to the extent of commercial andindustrial use. In particular, typical residential applications do notrequire the comparatively high degree of functionality called for inmany commercial and industrial applications. Hence, the cost advantagesoffered by solid-state meters in relation to programmability andfunctionality, in general, are not as significant in residentialapplications as they are in commercial and industrial applications.

The demand for greater programmability and functionality in residentialelectrical-energy meters, however, is increasing. Hence, the demand forsolid-state electrical-energy meters in residential applications isexpected to increase dramatically in the near future. The manufacturingcosts of solid-state meters, however, need to be comparable to or lowerthan those of electromechanical meters in order for solid-state metersto compete successfully in the residential-use market. Moreover, anyelectrical-energy meter intended for residential use must comply withthe applicable requirements of the American National Standards Institute(ANSI) to ensure compatibility with existing power-distributionnetworks.

Conventional electrical-energy meters of both the electromechanical andsolid-state type typically incorporate a relatively large number offasteners, e.g., screws, rivets, eyelets, pins, etc., to secure thevarious components thereof. These fasteners increase the overall partscount and the assembly time of the meter, and thus raise themanufacturing cost thereof.

Moreover, the base and other components of conventionalelectrical-energy meters are usually formed from thermosetting plastics.Thermosetting plastics are relatively hard and brittle, and thus are notwell suited to withstand the impact loads that electrical-energy metersare typically exposed to during shipping and installation. Hence,components manufactured from these types of materials must haverelatively large cross sections to provide the components withsufficient resistance to the anticipated impact loads. This requirementincreases the manufacturing cost of the meter. Moreover, the brittlequality of thermosetting plastics precludes the use of cost-effectivedesign features that require resilient components.

Consequently, a need exists for a solid-state electrical-energy meterfor residential applications that has a comparatively low cost, andcomplies with the applicable ANSI requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A presently-preferred embodiment of an electrical-energy meter comprisesa base adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface, a current sensorassembly comprising a plurality of contact blades extending through thebase and adapted to electrically contact a conductor of electricalenergy, and a current transformer mechanically coupled to the base andelectrically coupled to the contact blades. The current transformer isadapted to produce an electrical output proportional to an electricalcurrent in the conductor of electrical energy.

The electrical-energy meter further comprises a circuit board assemblycomprising a main circuit board electrically coupled to the currenttransformer and the contact blades. The circuit board assembly isadapted to calculate and display a cumulative amount of electricalenergy passing through the conductor of electrical energy based on theelectrical output of the current transformer and a voltage of theconductor of electrical energy. The electrical-energy meter alsocomprises a circuit-board support member comprising a rim portionfixedly coupled to the base, and a first bracket adjoining the rimportion. The first bracket has a first and a second leg each extendingaway from the rim portion and the base and each being adapted tosecurely engage the main circuit board.

Another presently-preferred embodiment of an electrical-energy metercomprises a base, and a current sensor assembly comprising a pluralityof contact blades and at least one current transformer mechanicallycoupled to the base and electrically coupled to the contact blades. Theelectrical-energy meter further comprises a circuit board assemblycomprising a circuit board electrically coupled to the currenttransformer and the contact blades, and a circuit-board support membercomprising a substantially circular rim portion having a first and asecond plurality of retaining clips formed thereon. The first pluralityof retaining clips are each adapted to securely engage the base by wayof a corresponding through hole formed in the base, whereby thecircuit-board support member is secured to the base without the use ofexternal fasteners.

The electrical-energy meter also comprises an inner housing adapted tosecurely engage the circuit-board support member so the that the innerhousing and the base substantially enclose the current sensor assemblyand the circuit board assembly. The inner housing comprises a pluralityof snaps each having a through hole formed therein. Each of the secondplurality of retaining clips is adapted to substantially align with andbecome disposed in a respective one of the through holes in the snaps asthe inner housing is mated with the circuit-board support member therebycausing the second plurality of retaining clips to securely engage theinner housing whereby the inner housing is secured to the circuit-boardsupport member without the use of external fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofa presently-preferred embodiment, is better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustratingthe invention, the drawings show an embodiment that is presentlypreferred. The invention is not limited, however, to the specificinstrumentalities disclosed in the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view of a presently-preferredembodiment of an electrical-energy meter;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective, partial cutaway view of theelectrical-energy meter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a base and a current sensorassembly of the electrical-energy meter shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a current transformer of the currentsensor assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 4, apower-disconnect switch, and an alternative, two-transformer currentsensor assembly of the electrical-energy meter shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a circuit board assembly and aradio-communications antenna of the electrical-energy meter shown inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a circuit-board support member andcircuit boards of the electrical-energy meter shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the circuit-board support membershown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a magnified view of the area designated “A” in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a magnified view of the area designated “B” in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the circuit board assembly and theradio-communications antenna shown in FIG. 6, and a lighted crystaldisplay and a mounting bracket of the electrical-energy meter shown inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 11A is a top view of the radio-communications antenna shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, showing mounting tabs, a radio-frequency feed, and aground feed of the antenna in their initial (flat) positions;

FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the radio-communications antennashown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 11A, showing the mounting tabs in theirdeployed positions and the radio-frequency and ground feeds in theirinitial (flat) positions;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the circuit board, theradio-communications antenna, the liquid crystal display, and themounting bracket shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, 11A, or 11B, with the mountingtabs and the radio-frequency and ground feeds of theradio-communications antenna in their deployed positions;

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of the base shown in FIGS. 3 and 5,and an inner housing and nameplate of the electrical-energy meter shownin FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 13B is a magnified view of the area designated “C” in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a top perspective, cutaway view of the inner housing shownin FIGS. 13A and 13B;

FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of the base and the inner housing inFIGS. 3, 5, 13A, or 13B, and a hanger of the electrical-energy metershown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the hanger is a stored position;

FIG. 14B is a magnified view of the area designated “D” in FIG. 14A,with the hanger in a deployed position;

FIG. 14C is a side perspective view of the hanger shown in FIGS. 14A and14B;

FIG. 15A is a bottom perspective, exploded view of the base shown inFIGS. 3, 5, 13, and 14A, and the power-disconnect switch and thetwo-transformer current sensor assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 15B is a top perspective view of the base, the circuit-boardsupport member, the power-disconnect switch, the two-transformer currentsensor assembly, the liquid-crystal display, the mounting bracket, thecircuit board assembly, and the radio-communications antenna shown inFIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9, 10, 11A, 11B, 12, 13A, 14A, 14B, or15A; and

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the base shown in FIGS. 3, 5,13, 14A, 15A, and 15B.

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY-PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A presently-preferred embodiment of a solid-state electrical-energymeter 10 adapted for residential use is depicted in FIGS. 1 to 15B. Theelectrical-energy meter 10 is described in detail for exemplary purposesonly, as the various features of the present invention can beincorporated into other types of electrical-energy meters, includingelectrical-energy meters adapted for commercial and industrial uses.

The electrical-energy meter 10 comprises a base 12, a circuit-boardsupport member 14, a current sensor assembly 15, a circuit boardassembly 16, an inner housing 18, and a cover 20.

The base 12 is depicted in detail in FIGS. 3, 5, 14A, and 16. The base12 is preferably molded from a reinforced thermoplastic material havingthe requisite mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties,flammability rating, UV stabilization, and resistance to common solventssuch as insecticides and cleaning solutions. An example of suchthermoplastic material is polyketone or PBT.

The current sensor and conductor assembly 15 is mounted on the base 12(see FIG. 3). More particularly, the base 12 has a tongue-shaped support24 formed thereon. The support 24 is tapered so that the width andthickness thereof increase progressively from the top (freestanding) tothe bottom ends thereof. The current sensor 15 comprises an annularcurrent transformer 26 having resilient crush ribs 28 positioned alongan inner circumference thereof (see FIG. 4).

The current transformer 26 is securely positioned around the support 24.More specifically, the crush ribs 28 interferedly contact the support 24as the current transformer 26 is pushed onto the support 24. Contactbetween the crush ribs 28 and the support 24 causes the crush ribs 28 todeform and securely engage the support 28, thereby securing the currenttransformer 26 (and the current sensor and conductor assembly 15) to thebase 12.

Alternative configurations of the electrical-energy meter 10 may includetwo of the current transformers 28, as depicted in FIGS. 5, 15A, and15B. Notably, the base 12 can accommodate the two-transformerconfiguration with no modifications thereto, as follows.

The base 12 has four receptacles 29 formed therein (see FIG. 16). Thecurrent transformers 28 each have a first pair of tabs 30 formed on oneside thereof, and a second pair of tabs 31 formed on an opposing sidethereof (see FIG. 4). The receptacles 29 are each adapted to securelyengage a corresponding one of the tabs 30. The circuit-board supportmember 14 is adapted to securely engage the tabs 31 by way of a groove51 formed in the circuit-board support member 14 (as described below),thereby securing the current transformers 28 in place between thecircuit-board support member 14 and the base 1.

The circuit board assembly 16 comprises a main circuit board 38 and asubstantially flat liquid crystal display (LCD) 40 (see FIG. 9). Themain circuit board 38 is electrically coupled to the currenttransformer(s) 28. The main circuit board 38 also receives an input orline voltage, i.e., a voltage corresponding to the voltage in theelectrical-energy line to which the electrical-energy meter 10 isconnected, by way of a first and a second voltage spring 42, 43(described in detail below). The circuit board assembly 16 is adapted tocalculate the total (cumulative) watt-hours of power that have passedthrough the electrical-energy meter 10 over time based on the currentand voltage input, using conventional techniques and components known tothose skilled in the field of electrical-energy meter design. Thecircuit board assembly 16 continually updates the cumulative watt-hours,and displays the updated value on the LCD 40.

The electrical-energy meter 10 can accommodate one or more optionalcircuit boards 74 a, 74 b, 74 c adapted to perform additional functionssuch as communications, pulse/relay output, service disconnect andinstallation, etc. (see FIG. 6). The ability to incorporate multiplecircuit boards can enhance the functionality of the electrical-powermeter 10, and thus represents a substantial advantage over conventionalmeter designs, which typically incorporate those functions into asingle, main circuit board. Specific details relating to the optionalcircuit boards 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, and further details relating to thecircuit board assembly 16 are not necessary to an understanding of theinvention, and therefore are not presented herein.

The circuit-board support member 14 partially supports the circuit boardassembly 16 and the optional circuit boards 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, asfollows. The circuit-board support member 14 comprises a ring-shapedportion 14 a, and a bracket 14 b unitarily formed with and extendingfrom the rim portion 14 a (see FIGS. 7 and 8A). The bracket 14 bcomprises substantially L-shaped side portions 14 c, 14 d. The sideportions 14 c, 14 d each have a groove 46 formed therein. The grooves 46are adapted to securely engage opposing side edges of the 30 maincircuit board 38, thereby securing the circuit board assembly 16 to thecircuit-board support member 14 (and the base 12) (see FIG. 7).

The bracket 14 b also includes a transverse portion 14 f unitarilyformed with the side portions 14 c, 14 d. The substantially L-shapedconfiguration of the side portions 14 c, 14 d positions the transverseportion 14 f at an elevation above that of the side portions 14 c, 14 d(from the perspective of FIGS. 7 and 8A). The transverse portion 14 fhas a groove 47 formed in a rearward-facing surface thereon. The groove47 securely engages a forward edge of the optional circuit board 74 b.

A second bracket 14 g is unitarily formed with and extends from the rimportion 14 a. The second bracket 14 g has a transverse portion 14 h. Thetransverse portion 14 h has a groove 49 formed in a forward-facingsurface thereof. The groove 49 securely engages a rearward edge of theoptional circuit board 74 b. The optional circuit board 74 b is thussupported by the brackets 14 b, 14 g.

The transverse portion 14 h has a groove 51 formed in a rearward-facingsurface thereof. The groove 51 is adapted to securely receive the tabs31 on the current transformers 28, thereby securing the currenttransformers 28 to the circuit-board support member 14 when theelectrical-energy meter 10 is configured with two of the currenttransformers 28 (see FIG. 5).

Notably, the bracket 14 g is positioned at an elevation above that ofthe bracket 14 b, from the perspective of FIGS. 7 and 8A (thereby givingthe optional circuit board 74 b an angled orientation as depicted inFIG. 7). This feature permits the circuit-board support member 14 to bemolded using relatively simple and inexpensive “straight-pull” tooling(as opposed to a slicing apparatus), with no effect on the overallfunctionality of the circuit-board support member 14. Forming thecircuit-board support member 14 using straight-pull tooling simplifiesthe manufacturing process, and reduces the manufacturing cost of thecircuit-board support member 14.

The circuit-board support member 14 includes two board supports 71unitarily formed with the rim portion 14 a (see FIGS. 7 and 8A). Theboard supports 71 each have a groove 73 formed therein. The grooves 73are adapted to securely engage opposing sides of the optional circuitboard 74 a, thereby causing the board supports 71 to partially supportthe optional circuit board 74 a. The circuit-board support member 14likewise includes two circuit-board support fingers 75 unitarily formedwith the rim portion 14 a. The circuit-board support fingers 75 eachhave a groove 77 formed therein. The grooves 77 are adapted to securelyengage opposing sides of the optional circuit board 74 c, therebycausing the circuit-board support fingers 75 to partially support theoptional circuit board 74 c.

The circuit-board support member 14 is secured to the base 12 asfollows. The circuit-board support member 14 has a total of eightretaining clips 81 formed thereon. Each retaining clip 81 has a barbedportion 81 a (see FIG. 8C). The base 12 includes a rim portion 12 chaving a total of eight through holes 90 formed therein (see FIGS. 2 and8C).

The circuit-board support member 14 and the base 12 are mated bysubstantially aligning each retaining clip 81 with a corresponding snap76, and urging the circuit-board support member 14 toward the base 12 byapplying moderate force to the circuit-board support member 14.

The barb-shaped portions 81 a of each retaining clip 81 are adapted tocontact the rim portion 12 c and resiliently deform as the circuit-boardsupport member 14 is moved toward the base 12. Continued movement of thecircuit-board support member 14 toward the base 12 causes eachbarb-shaped portion 81 a to substantially align with a corresponding oneof the through holes 90. The resilience of the barb-shaped portion 81 acauses the barb-shaped portion 81 a to snap into the through hole 82 andthereby engage the rim portion 12 c.

The engagement of the barb-shaped portions 81 a and the rim portion 12 cretains the circuit-board support member 14 on the base 12. Hence, thecircuit-board support member 14 can be quickly and easily secured to thebase 12 without the use of external fasteners. The circuit-board supportmember 14 can be released from the base 12 by depressing the barb-shapedportions 81 a to move each barb-shaped portion 81 a out of thecorresponding through hole 90. Moreover, the retaining clips 81 providea secure connection that minimizes the potential for accidentalseparation of the circuit-board support member 14 from the base 12.

Further details relating to the circuit-board support member 14 arepresented below.

Details relating to the current sensor assembly 15 are as follows. Thecurrent sensor assembly 15 comprises the current transformer 26 and thevoltage springs 42, 43, as noted previously. The current sensor assembly15 also comprises a pair of input leads 48, a corresponding pair ofoutput leads 50, a first pair of contact blades 52 a, and asubstantially identical second pair of contact blades 52 b. The contactblades 52 a are each electrically and mechanically coupled to arespective one of the input leads 48, and the contact blades 52 b areeach electrically and mechanically coupled to a respective one of theoutput leads 50.

The contact blades 52 a, 52 b comply with ANSI specifications forresidential electrical-energy meters. Each contact blade 52 a, 52 bextends through the base 12 by way of a corresponding slot 54 formed inthe base 12 (see FIGS. 3, 14A, and 16). The blades 52 a, 52 b may beretained in the slots 54 by conventional means such as cotter pins or,preferably, by the structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,010, whichis incorporated by reference herein its entirety. (The contact blades 52a, 52 b are also secured by the circuit-board support member 14, asexplained in detail below.)

Each contact blade 52 a, 52 b projects from the rear surface 12 a of thebase 12 proximate a corresponding voltage shield 22 that extends fromthe rear surface 12 (see FIG. 14A). The contact blades 52 a, 52 b areeach adapted to slidably and securely engage a correspondingANSI-standard socket mounted on the residential dwelling andelectrically coupled to the line that supplies electrical power to thedwelling. More particularly, the ANSI-standard sockets each comprisespring-loaded jaws that securely grasp the corresponding contact blade52 a, 52 b.

The input leads 48 electrically couple the power line of the residentialdwelling to the input side of the current transformer 26. The currenttransformer 26 generates a low-voltage output that is proportional tothe current entering the current transformer 26 by way of the inputleads 48. The output leads 50 electrically couple the output side of thecurrent transformer 26 to the power line of the residential dwelling.The low-voltage output of the current transformer 26 is processed by thecircuit board assembly 16 to generate a display that represents thecumulative watt-hours of power consumed by the residential dwelling overtime. (Further details relating to the current transformer 26 are notnecessary to an understanding of the invention, and therefore are notpresented herein.)

The input and output leads 48, 50 are not insulated. Compliance with theapplicable ANSI standards for surge-voltage capability is achieved byspacing the input and output leads 48, 50 as shown in the figures, andthrough the use of the support 24. More specifically, the support 24 ispositioned between the input leads 48 where the input leads 48 come intoproximity, i.e., where the input leads 48 are coupled to the currenttransformer 26 (see FIG. 3). The support 24 is likewise positionedbetween the output leads 50 where the output leads 50 come into closeproximity, i.e., where the output leads 48 are coupled to the currenttransformer 26.

The insulative properties of the thermoplastic material from which thesupport 24 is formed cause the support 24 to act as a voltage barrierbetween the input leads 48, and between the output leads 50. The support24 thereby prevents or inhibits surge voltages from passing between theinput leads 48, and between the output leads 50. (It should be notedthat the support 24 performs the noted voltage-blocking function inconfigurations that use a single current transformer 26 only.)

The contact blades 52 a, 52 b are also secured by the circuit-boardsupport member 14, as noted above. In particular, the circuit-boardsupport member 14 includes four keys 94 unitarily formed with the rimportion 14 a (see FIGS. 7 and 8A). Each of the keys 94 substantiallyaligns with and is partially disposed in a respective slot 54 in thebase 12 when the circuit-board support member 14 and the base 12 arecoupled as noted above. The resulting contact between the key 94 and thecorresponding contact blade 52 a, 52 inhibits the contact blade 52 a, 52from backing out of the corresponding slot 54.

The keys 94 and the slots 54 thus permit the contact blades 52 a, 52 bto be installed in, secured to, and removed from the base 12 quickly andeasily, without the use of external fasteners, locking pins, or tooling.

Details relating to the first and second voltage springs 42, 43 are asfollows. The first and second voltage springs 42, 43 are formed from anelectrically-conductive material, and are not insulated. The voltagesprings 42, 43 electrically couple the contact blades 52 a to the maincircuit board 38 (see FIG. 6). The voltage springs 42, 43 thus providethe main circuit board 38 with signals corresponding to the line voltagebeing input to the electrical-energy meter 10.

A first end 42 a the voltage spring 42 is adapted to grasp opposingsides of one of the contact blades 52 a, as depicted in FIG. 6. A firstend 43 a the voltage spring 43 is likewise adapted to grasp opposingsides of the other of the contact blades 52 a. (The voltage springs 42,43 are not soldered or otherwise hard-wired to the contact blades 52 a).This arrangement permits the contact blades 52 a to flex to a limiteddegree while remaining in contact with the voltage springs 42, 43, andwithout placing substantial stress on the voltage springs 42, 43(flexing of the contact blades 52 a, 52 b normally occurs when thecontact blades 52 a, 52 b are inserted into the corresponding mountingsockets on the residential dwelling). Moreover, the ends 42 a, 42 b eachinclude a portion that is spaced apart from the corresponding contactblade 52 a, 52 b, thereby facilitating a voltage connection between thecontact blade 52 a, 52 b and an auxiliary circuit board.

The first voltage spring 42 comprises a voltage disconnect 58, asrequired by applicable ANSI specifications (see FIG. 6).

A second end 42 b of the voltage spring 42, and a second end 43 b of thevoltage spring 43 are electrically and mechanically coupled to the maincircuit board 38 as follows. The main circuit board 38 comprises a firstand a second contact pad 55 a, 55 b. The first and second contact pads54 a, 54 b are positioned respectively on top and bottom surfaces of themain circuit board 38, proximate an edge of the main circuit board 38.

The second end 42 b of the voltage spring 42 is secured to first contactpad 55 a by conventional means such as soldering. The second end 43 b ofthe voltage spring 43 is likewise secured to the second contact pad 55 bby conventional means such as soldering. This arrangement forms a“card-edge” connection between the voltage springs 42, 43 and the maincircuit board 38.

Notably, the voltage springs 42, 43 are coupled to opposing sides of themain circuit board 38. This feature enhances the surge-voltagecapability of the main circuit board 38. More particularly, a givenlevel of surge-voltage capability can be achieved with a smaller overallspacing between the contact pads 55 a, 55 b if the contact pads 55 a, 55b are positioned on opposite surfaces of the main circuit board 38.Closer spacing between the contact pads 55 a, 55 b conserves space onthe main circuit board 38. This feature is particularly advantageousgiven the limited amount of space available within the electrical-energymeter 10 for the main circuit board 38.

The LCD 40 is mounted on the main circuit board 38 using a supportbracket 60 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The support bracket 60 secures the LCD40 in a substantially perpendicular orientation in relation to the maincircuit board 38. (The support bracket 60 thus permits the main circuitboard 38 to be positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation;this feature can facilitate a more compact overall configuration for theelectrical-energy meter 10 in comparison to conventional mountingarrangements in which the LCD is positioned substantially parallel to acorresponding circuit board.)

The support bracket 60 is preferably molded from a reinforcedthermoplastic material such as polyketone or PBT. The support bracket 60includes a first and a second support arm 60 a, 60 b, and a first and asecond mounting foot 60 c, 60 d adjoining the respective first andsecond support arms 60 a, 60 b. The support bracket 60 also includes atransverse member 60 e having molded springs 60 f formed thereon. TheLCD 40 is supported by the mounting feet 60 c, 60 d. More particularly,the springs 60 f bias the LCD 40 downward, into the mounting feet 60 c,60 d, thereby restraining the LCD 40 vertically. The LCD 40 isrestrained horizontally by the support arms 60 a, 60 b, and by a backingplate 60 g that adjoins the support arms 60 a, 60 b.

The support bracket 60 further comprises a first and a second forwardmount 60 h, 60 i, and a third and a fourth mounting arm 60 j, 60 k. Thethird and fourth mounting arms 60 j, 60 k adjoin the respective firstand second forward mounts 60 h, 60 i, and extend substantiallyperpendicularly to the first and second support arms 60 a, 60 b. Thesupport bracket 60 also comprises a first and a second rearward mount 60l, 60 m.

The forward mounts 60 h, 60 i each have a groove formed therein andadapted to securely receive an edge of the main circuit board 38, asdepicted in FIG. 9. The rearward mounts 60 l, 60 m each have a notchformed therein, and are adapted to snap into a respective slot formed inthe main circuit board 38. More particularly, the rearward mounts 60 l,60 m are adapted to resiliently deform as the rearward mounts 60 l, 60 mare urged into the respective slots. The rearward mounts 60 l, 60 m areadapted to securely engage the main circuit board 38 by way of thenotches once the rearward mounts 60 l, 60 m have been inserted into theslots.

Notably, the configuration of the support bracket 60 permits the LCD 40to be mounted on the main circuit board 38 without the use of anyexternal fasteners. More particularly, the LCD 40 is mounted by snappingthe LCD 40 into the support bracket 60, inserting leads 40 a of the LCD40 into corresponding through holes formed in the main circuit board 38,and mounting the support bracket 60 on the main circuit board 38 by wayof the mounts 60 h, 60 i, 60 l, 60 m. The leads 40 a of the LCD 40 (andthe other component leads mounted on the main circuit board 38) aresubsequently wave-soldered to the main circuit board 38.

It should be noted that the LCD 40 is specially configured toaccommodate the perpendicular mounting arrangement between the LCD 40and the main circuit board 38. In particular, the leads 40 a of the LCD40 extend entirely from one side of the LCD 40. Conventional LCDs, bycontrast, typically have leads extending from opposing sides thereof.

The electrical-energy meter 10 further comprises an antenna 62 thatfacilitates radio communication between the electrical-energy meter 10and a remote device, e.g., a transmitting and receiving device used bythe utility company to remotely obtain readings from theelectrical-energy meter 10 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, 6, and 12). The antennais mounted on a bottom (lower) surface of the main circuit board 38, asdepicted in FIGS. 6 and 12). The antenna 62 comprises a plurality ofmounting tabs 62 a, an antenna element 62 b, a radio-frequency (RF) feed63 c, a ground feed 62 d, and a ground plane 62 e.

The antenna 62 is depicted in FIG. 11A in its initial flat, or shipping,configuration. The antenna 62 is preferably formed from a single pieceof sheet metal such as bronze. The sheet metal is stamped so thatportions of the sheet-metal piece can be bent to form the variouscomponents of the antenna 62. In particular, the sheet-metal piece isstamped to initially define to mounting tabs 62 a, the antenna element62 b, the RF feed 62 c, and the ground feed 62 d (see FIG. 11A).

The mounting tabs 62 a are bendable from their initial (flat) positionto a deployed position in which the mounting tabs 62 a projectsubstantially perpendicularly from the ground plane 62 e (FIG. 11B). Theantenna 62 is mounted on the main circuit board 38 by inserting ends ofthe mounting tabs 62 a into respective through holes formed in the maincircuit board 38, and then soldering or clenching the mounting tabs 38 ato the main circuit board 38.

The RF feed 62 c and the ground feed 62 d are likewise bendable fromtheir initial (flat) positions (FIG. 11A) to unfolded positions in whichRF feed 62 c and the ground feed 62 d project substantiallyperpendicularly from the ground plane 62 e (FIGS. 6 and 12). Notches areformed on the RF feed 62 c and the ground feed 62 d to facilitateprecise bending of the RF feed 62 c and the ground feed 62 d, by hand,at predefined locations thereon (see FIG. 11A).

The noted design of the antenna 62 permits the antenna 62 to be shippedfrom its manufacturer in a flat, compact configuration that minimizesthe possibility of damage thereto. Moreover, the one-piece configurationof the antenna 62 assists in minimizing the parts count of theelectrical-energy meter 10 (conventional antennas of this type aretypically formed in two or more pieces). Furthermore, design of theantenna 62 allows the antenna 62 to be manufactured from a minimalamount material, using a relatively simple bend die.

Details relating to the inner housing 18 are as follows. The innerhousing 18 comprises a substantially flat rearward portion 18 a and aunitarily formed, substantially cylindrical forward portion 18 b (seeFIGS. 13A and 13C). The inner housing 18 is preferably molded from areinforced thermoplastic material such as polyketone or PBT.

The rearward portion 18 a has a cutout, or window 66 formed therein. Thewindow 66 is substantially aligned with the LCD 40. More particularly, aportion of the LCD 40 resides within the window 66 when theelectrical-energy meter 10 is assembled, thereby facilitating visualreadings of the LCD 40. A support rib 68 is formed around a portion ofthe window 66, and is adapted to engage an edge of the LCD 40 (see FIG.13C). The support rib 68 thereby ensures that the LCD 40 remainssubstantially centered in the window 40. Moreover, a breakout portion 18c is formed in the rearward portion 18 a. The breakout portion 18 c canreadily be removed from the rearward portion 18 a to enlarge the window66, thereby permitting the window 66 to accommodate LCDs larger than theLCD 40.

The rearward portion 18 a of the inner housing 18 also includes anameplate holder 70 (see FIG. 13A; the nameplate holder 70 is notdepicted in FIG. 13C, for clarity). The nameplate holder 70 is locatedbelow the window 66 on the outer face of the rearward portion 18 a. Thenameplate holder 70 accommodates a standard credit-card-sized (CR-80)plastic nameplate 101.

The nameplate holder 70 is defined by a rib 70 a and tabs 70 b unitarilyformed with the rib 70 a. The nameplate 101 is inserted into thenameplate holder 70 by sliding the nameplate under the tabs 70 b, in thedirection shown by the arrow 102 in FIG. 13A. The rib 70 a restrains thenameplate laterally and vertically, i.e., side-to-side and vertically.The tabs 70 b urge the nameplate inward, i.e., toward the rearwardportion 18 a, and thereby restrain the nameplate from movement away fromthe rearward portion 18 a.

The rib 70 a has a break, or gap, formed therein to facilitate removalof the nameplate 101. The resilience of the thermoplastic material fromwhich the tabs 70 b are formed permits the nameplate 101 to be quicklyand easily installed in and removed from the inner cover 18 by hand.Moreover, the use of the standard, CR-80 nameplate permits the nameplate101 to purchased or manufactured at a relatively low cost.

A plurality of circuit-board support fingers 72 are formed within theinner housing 18 (see FIGS. 13A and 13C). The circuit-board supportfingers 72 are unitarily formed with the forward and rearward portions18 a, 18 b. The circuit-board support fingers 72 each have a grooveformed therein for securely engaging an edge of the main circuit board38, or an edge of one of the optional circuit boards 74 a, or 74 c. Thecircuit-board support fingers 72 thus support corresponding ends of themain circuit board 38 or the optional circuit boards 74 a, 74 c, andthereby supplement the support provided by the circuit-board supportmember 14. This arrangement results in a secure and stable mountingarrangement for the main circuit board 38 and the optional circuitboards 74 a, 74 c.

A port 78 for an optical-communications probe is formed in the rearwardportion 18 a and is coupled to the main circuit board 38 by way ofoptical fibers (not shown) (see FIG. 13A; the port 78 is not depicted inFIG. 13C, for clarity). This feature permits service personnel to testthe electrical-energy meter 10 without removing the inner housing 18.Hence, the electrical-energy meter 10 can be tested without exposingservice personnel to the high voltages within the electrical-energymeter 10.

The inner housing 18 is secured to the circuit-board support member 14by four snaps 76 formed in the forward portion 18 b (see FIGS. 8B, 13A,and 13C). The snaps 76 are each adapted to engage a correspondingretaining clip 80 formed on the circuit-board support member 14 (seeFIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B). Each snap 76 has a through hole 82 formed therein.

The inner housing 18 and the circuit-board support member 14 are matedby substantially aligning each snap 76 with a corresponding retainingclip 80, and urging the inner housing 18 toward the circuit-boardsupport member 14 by applying moderate force to the inner housing 18. Abarb-shaped portion 80 a of each retaining clip 80 is adapted toresiliently deform as the snap 76 subsequently becomes disposed withinthe retaining clip 80. Continued insertion of the snap 76 into theretaining clip 80 eventually causes each barb-shaped portion 80 a tosubstantially align with a corresponding through hole 82. The resilienceof the barb-shaped portion 80 a causes the barb-shaped portion 80 a tosnap into the through hole 82 and thereby engage the snap 76.

The engagement of the barb-shaped portions 80 a and the correspondingsnaps 76 retains the inner housing 18 on the circuit-board supportmember 14 (and the base 12). The inner housing 18 can be released fromthe circuit-board support member 14 by depressing the snaps 76 to movethe barb-shaped portions 80 a out of the corresponding through holes 82.

Hence, the inner housing 18 can be quickly and easily secured to andremoved from the circuit-board support member 14 (and the base 12)without the use of external fasteners or tooling. Moreover, the snaps 76and the retaining clips 80 provide a secure connection thatsubstantially minimizes the potential for accidental separation of theinner housing 18 from the circuit-board support member 14.

The electrical-energy meter 10 includes a hanger 84 for suspending theelectrical-energy meter 10 during maintenance or repair operations at aservice shop or other remote location, in accordance with ANSIrequirements (see FIGS. 14A-14C). The hanger 84 is preferably moldedfrom a reinforced thermoplastic material such as polyketone or PBT. Thehanger 84 comprises a first and a second leg 84 a, 84 b, and a first anda second pin 84 c, 84 d unitarily formed with the respective first andsecond legs 84 a, 84 b.

The hanger 84 is pivotally coupled to the base 12. More particularly,the base 12 includes a first and a second receptacle 85 a, 85 b adaptedto receive the respective first and second pins 84 c, 84 d. The pins 84c, 84 d are inserted into the receptacles 85 a, 85 b by squeezing thefirst and second legs 84 a, 84 b toward each other. The resilientdeformation of the legs 84 a, 84 b draws the pins 84 c, 84 d closer, andthereby permits the pins 84 c, 84 d to fit between the receptacles 85 a,85 b. Releasing the pressure on the legs 84 a, 84 b causes the legs 84a, 84 b to spread apart, thereby causing the pins 84 c, 84 d to becomedisposed with the respective receptacles 85 a, 85 b. The hanger 84 canthus be quickly and easily installed on and removed from the base 12without the use of any external fasteners or tooling.

The hanger 84 is pivotable between a stored position (FIG. 14A) and adeployed position (FIG. 14B). Notches 84 e are formed in opposing sidesof the first and second pins 84 a, 84 b (see FIG. 14C). The notches 84 eare adapted to engage corresponding ridges 90 formed on the base 12 (seeFIG. 14B). More particularly, the notches 84 e engage the ridges 90 whenthe hanger 84 is in the stored or the deployed positions. Engagement ofthe notches 84 e and the ridges 90 secures the hanger in the stored ordeployed positions.

Two ribs 87 are formed on the base 12, between the receptacles 85 a, 85b (see FIG. 14B). The ribs 87 inhibit the legs 84 a, 84 b from movingtoward each other when the hanger 84 is in the deployed position. Thisfeature minimizes the potential for the hanger 84 to disengage from thebase 12 when the hanger 84 is in the deployed position. (The ribs 87also minimize the potential for the hanger 84 to disengage from the base12 when the hanger 84 is in the stored position.)

An upper portion 84 f of the hanger 84 has a through hole 88 formedtherein. The electrical-energy meter 10 can be suspended during serviceoperations or periods of storage by placing the hanger 84 over a hook ora similar device so that the hook or similar device engages the upperportion 84 f by way of the through hole 88.

The hanger 84 is simple, inexpensive, compact, and durable in comparisonto conventional suspension means. Conventional suspension meanstypically comprise a metallic bracket riveted to the base. The metallicbracket rotates about the rivet, in a plane that is substantiallyparallel to the adjacent surface of the meter base. This type ofsuspension means typically requires a relatively large amount of spaceon the meter base to accommodate rotation of the hanger. Moreover, theriveted hanger is relatively difficult to install on and remove from themeter, and the rivet and the adjacent surfaces of the hanger and baseare subject to wear due to the relatively high friction between thosecomponents.

The cover 20 has a substantially transparent end portion 20 a thatprovides visual access to the LCD 40 (see FIG. 1). The cover 20 includesa flange portion 20 b. The cover 20 is secured to the base 12 byresilient tabs 20 c formed in the flange portion 20 b and adapted tosecurely engage a flange portion 12 d on the base 12. A gasket 99 ispositioned between the flange portions 20 b, 12 d to substantially sealthe interface between the cover 20 and the base 12.

The electrical-energy meter 10 may incorporate an optionalpower-disconnect function that permits the utility company to switch theelectrical power to the residential dwelling on and off, on a remotebasis, by way of the electrical-energy meter 10. The power-disconnectfunction is provided by a total-service disconnect switch 92 and acontrol board 93 electrically coupled to the disconnect switch 92 (seeFIGS. 5, 15A and 15B). The control board 93 is depicted in FIG. 15B asbeing located in the place of the optional circuit board 74 a depictedin FIG. 7.

The disconnect switch 92 is electrically coupled to the contact blades52 a, 52 b. The disconnect switch 92 is retained by the keys 94 of thecircuit-board support member 14. The disconnect switch 92 is positionedover the contact blades 52 a when the disconnect switch 92 is installedon the base 12, and thus facilitates retention of the contact blades 52a in the slots 54 of the base 12. Notably, the disconnect switch 92 ispositioned so as to extend away from (rater than parallel to) the base12, as best shown in FIG. 15B. This arrangement permits the disconnectswitch 92 to be installed without reducing the amount of space availableto accommodate the main circuit board 38. (Conventional meters typicallymount the disconnect switch parallel to the base, or as a separate unitlocated outside of the meter.)

The control board 93 includes circuitry that facilitates radiocommunication with the utility company (by way of the antenna 62),thereby permitting the utility company to remotely activate anddeactivate the power disconnect switch 92.

The above-described features of the electrical-energy meter 10 minimizethe number of external fasteners needed to assemble theelectrical-energy meter 10, and thereby lower the overall parts countand the manufacturing cost of the electrical-energy meter 10 in relationto a conventional solid-state electrical-energy meter of similarcapabilities. Moreover, the electrical-energy meter 10 has a relativelycompact design that facilitates the incorporation of design featuresthat may not be possible in a conventional electrical-energy meter dueto space constraints. Also, the extensive use of relatively strong andresilient thermoplastic materials contributes further to the compactnessof the electrical-energy meter 10, and enhances the durability thereof.Furthermore, the electrical-energy meter 10 complies with applicableANSI requirements.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoingdescription, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be madein detail within the principles of the invention to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed. For example, the electrical-energy meter10 is readily configurable in ANSI-1S, -2S, -3S, -4S, and -12Sstandards.

1. An electrical-energy meter, comprising: a base adapted to be mountedon a supporting surface; a current sensor assembly comprising aplurality of contact blades extending through the base and adapted toelectrically contact a conductor of electrical energy, and a currenttransformer mechanically coupled to the base and electrically coupled tothe contact blades, the current transformer being adapted to produce anelectrical output proportional to an electrical current in the conductorof electrical energy; a circuit board assembly comprising a main circuitboard electrically coupled to the current transformer and the contactblades, the circuit board assembly being adapted to calculate anddisplay a cumulative amount of electrical energy passing through theconductor of electrical energy based on the electrical output of thecurrent transformer and a voltage of the conductor of electrical energy;and a circuit-board support member comprising a rim portion fixedlycoupled to the base, and a first bracket adjoining the rim portion, thefirst bracket having a first and a second leg each extending away fromthe rim portion and the base and each being adapted to securely engagethe main circuit board.
 2. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherean end portion of the first voltage spring is electrically andmechanically coupled to a first major surface of the main circuit board,and an end portion of the second voltage spring is electrically andmechanically coupled to a second major surface of the main circuitboard.
 3. The electrical-energy meter of claim 2, where the first majorsurface of the main circuit board is a top surface of the main circuitboard and the second major surface of the main circuit board is a bottomsurface of the main circuit board.
 4. The electrical-energy meter ofclaim 2, wherein an end portion of the first voltage spring is bent sothat the end portion of the first voltage spring resiliently engagesopposite sides of a first of the contact blades, and an end portion ofthe second voltage spring is bent so that the end portion of the secondvoltage spring resiliently engages opposite sides of a second of thecontact blades.
 5. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherein therim portion is substantially circular and has acircumferentially-extending forward edge, the first and second legs havea respective first and second groove formed therein and extending in adirection substantially perpendicular to the forward edge, and the firstand second legs are adapted to securely engage opposing edges of themain circuit board by way of the respective first and second grooveswhereby the main circuit board is substantially perpendicular to theforward edge of the rim portion.
 6. The electrical-energy meter of claim5, wherein the circuit board assembly further comprises a second circuitboard and the circuit-board support member further comprises a first anda second circuit-board support finger adjoining the rim portion and eachhaving a groove formed therein, the first and second circuit-boardsupport fingers being adapted to securely engage opposing edges of thesecond circuit board by way of the grooves formed in the first andsecond circuit-board support fingers.
 7. The electrical-energy meter ofclaim 6, wherein the circuit board assembly further comprises a thirdcircuit board and the circuit-board support member further comprises athird and a fourth circuit-board support finger each having a grooveformed therein, the third and fourth circuit-board support fingers beingadapted to securely engage opposing edges of the third circuit board byway of the grooves formed in the third and fourth circuit-board supportfingers.
 8. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, further comprising asecond circuit board, wherein: the first bracket further comprises atransverse member adjoining the first and second legs of the firstbracket and having a first groove formed therein; the transverse memberof the first bracket securely engages a first edge of the second circuitboard by way of the first groove; the circuit-board support memberfurther comprises a second bracket having (i) a first and a second legeach adjoining the rim portion and (ii) a transverse portion adjoiningthe first and second legs of the second bracket and having a secondgroove formed therein; the transverse member of the second bracketsecurely engages a second edge of the second circuit board by way of thesecond groove; and the first and second grooves are spaced apart fromthe first circuit board by unequal distances, whereby the second circuitboard is angled in relation to the first circuit board.
 9. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherein: the rim portion of thecircuit-board support member comprises a plurality of retaining clipseach having a barb-shaped portion; the base comprises acircumferentially-extending rim portion having a plurality of throughholes formed therein; each of the retaining clips is adapted toresiliently deflect as the circuit-board support member is mated withthe base; and the barb-shaped portion of each the retaining clips isadapted to substantially align with and become disposed in a respectiveone of the through holes as the circuit-board support member is matedwith the base thereby causing the retaining clips to securely engage therim portion of the base whereby the circuit-board support member issecured to the base without the use of external fasteners.
 10. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherein the circuit board assemblyfurther comprises a substantially flat liquid crystal display mounted onand electrically coupled to the main circuit board and adapted todisplay the cumulative amount of energy passing through the conductor ofelectrical energy.
 11. The electrical-energy meter of claim 10, whereinthe circuit board assembly further comprises a support bracket mountedon the main circuit board and the liquid crystal display is mounted inthe support bracket in an orientation substantially perpendicular to themain circuit board.
 12. The electrical-energy meter of claim 11, whereinthe support bracket is formed from a thermoplastic material andcomprises: a first and a second support arm; a first and a secondsupport foot adjoining the respective first and second support arms; atransverse member adjoining the first and second support arms; a moldedspring formed on the transverse member; a first and a second mountingarm adjoining the respective first and second support arms and extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the first and second support arms; afirst and a second forward mount adjoining the respective first andsecond mounting arms, the first and second forward mounts each having agroove formed therein and each being adapted to securely engage an edgeof the main circuit board by way of the respective grooves; and a firstand a second rearward mount adjoining the respective first and secondmounting arms, the first and second rearward mounts each having a notchformed therein and being adapted to be inserted through respective slotsformed in the main circuit board so that the first and second rearwardmounts securely engage the main circuit board by way of the notches, andthe first and second support arms, the first and second support feet,the transverse member, and the spring are adapted to securely engage theliquid crystal display and thereby secure the liquid crystal display inposition in relation to the main circuit board.
 13. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 11, wherein the liquid crystal displayis electrically coupled to the main circuit board by a plurality ofelectrically-conductive leads extending from only one side of the liquidcrystal display.
 14. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, furthercomprising an inner housing fixedly coupled to the circuit-board supportmember so that the inner housing and the base substantially enclose thecircuit board assembly and the current sensor assembly, wherein theinner housing has a cutout formed therein and substantially aligned withthe liquid crystal display.
 15. The electrical-energy meter of claim 14,wherein the inner housing has a first and a second circuit-board supportfinger formed thereon, the first and second circuit-board supportfingers each having a groove formed therein and each being adapted tosecurely receive one of the edges of the main circuit board in therespective grooves whereby the main circuit board is supported andrestrained by the inner housing.
 16. The electrical-energy meter ofclaim 14, wherein the inner housing has an optical port formed thereinand optically coupled to the main circuit board whereby diagnosticchecks can be run on the electrical energy meter without exposingservice personnel to electrical voltages within the electrical-energymeter.
 17. The electrical-energy meter of claim 14, wherein the innerhousing is formed form a thermoplastic material.
 18. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 14, wherein a portion of the innerhousing adjacent the cutout is adapted to be removed to thereby increasethe size of the cutout.
 19. The electrical-energy meter of claim 14,wherein the base and the circuit-board support member are each formedfrom a thermoplastic material.
 20. The electrical-energy meter of claim14, wherein the inner housing comprises a nameplate holder comprising(i) a rib formed on a surface of the inner housing and adapted tosecurely engage edges of the nameplate to thereby inhibit movement ofthe nameplate in a direction substantially parallel to the surface ofthe inner housing, and (ii) a tab spaced apart from the surface of theinner housing so that a portion of the nameplate is securely positionedbetween the tab and the surface of the inner housing whereby the tabinhibits movement of the nameplate away from the surface of the innerhousing.
 21. The electrical-energy meter of claim 20, further comprisingthe nameplate, wherein the nameplate comprises a standardcredit-card-sized plastic card.
 22. The electrical-energy meter of claim14, wherein: the rim portion the circuit-board support member comprisesa plurality of retaining clips each having a barb-shaped portion; theinner housing comprises a plurality of snaps each having a through holeformed therein; each of the retaining clips is adapted to resilientlydeflect as the inner housing is mated with the circuit-board supportmember; and the barb-shaped portion of each the retaining clips isadapted to substantially align with and become disposed in a respectiveone of the through holes as the inner housing is mated with thecircuit-board support member thereby causing the retaining clipssecurely engage the inner housing whereby the inner housing is securedto the circuit-board support member without the use of externalfasteners.
 23. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, furthercomprising a hanger pivotally coupled the base, wherein the hangercomprises a first and a second mounting pin and the base comprises afirst and a second receptacle adapted to receive the respective firstand second mounting pins.
 24. The electrical-energy meter of claim 23,wherein the hanger is formed from a thermoplastic material.
 25. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 23, wherein the hanger comprises afirst and a second leg adjoining the respective first and second pins,and an upper portion adjoining the first and second legs, the upperportion having a through hole formed whereby the electrical-energy metercan be suspended from a supporting fixture by way of the hanger.
 26. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 23, wherein (i) the hanger is pivotablebetween a stored position and a deployed position, (ii) the first andsecond pins each have a first and a second notch formed therein, (iii)the base has a first and a second rib formed thereon, (iv) the first andsecond ribs are adapted to engage the first notches of the first andsecond pins when the hanger is in the stored position thereby inhibitingmovement of the hanger from the stored position, and (v) the first andsecond ribs are adapted to engage the second notches of the first andsecond pins when the hanger is in the deployed position therebyinhibiting movement of the hanger from the deployed position.
 27. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 1, further comprising apower-disconnect switch electrically coupled to the contact blades andfixedly coupled to the base so that the power-disconnect switch extendsaway from the base.
 28. The electrical-energy meter of claim 27, whereinthe power disconnect switch is adapted to interrupt a flow of theelectrical energy through the conductor of electrical energy in responseto radio communications from a source external to the electrical-energymeter.
 29. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherein the currenttransformer comprises a mounting tab and the base comprises atongue-shaped support adapted to securely engage an inner circumferenceof the current transformer thereby securing the current transformed tothe base.
 30. The electrical-energy meter of claim 29, wherein (i) theelectrical-energy meter comprises a first and a second of the currenttransformers, (ii) the first and second current transformers eachcomprise a mounting tab, and (iii) the base comprises a first receptacleadapted to securely receive the mounting tab of the first currenttransformer and a second receptacle adapted to securely receive themounting tab of the second current transformer.
 31. Theelectrical-energy meter of claim 30, wherein the first and secondcurrent transformers each comprise a second of the mounting tabs, thecircuit-board support member further comprises a second bracket having afirst and a second leg each adjoining the rim portion and a transversemember adjoining the first and second legs of the second bracket, thetransverse member has a groove formed therein, and the second bracketsecurely engages the first and second current transformer by way of thegroove.
 32. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, further comprising aradio-communications antenna electrically and mechanically coupled tothe main circuit board, the radio-communications antenna comprising anantenna element, a radio frequency feed adjoining the antenna element, aground feed adjoining the antenna element, a ground plane adjoining theradio frequency feed and the ground feed, and a mounting tab adjoiningthe ground plane and adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupledto the main circuit board.
 33. The electrical-energy meter of claim 32,wherein; the radio frequency feed is bendable between a first positionwherein the radio frequency feed and the ground plane are substantiallyco-planar, and a second position wherein the radio frequency feed andthe ground plane are substantially perpendicular; the ground frequencyfeed is bendable between a first position wherein the ground feed andthe ground plane are substantially co-planar, and a second positionwherein the ground feed and the ground plane are substantiallyperpendicular; and the mating tab is bendable between a first positionwherein the mating tab and the ground plane are substantially co-planar,and a second position wherein the mating tab and the ground plane aresubstantially perpendicular.
 34. The electrical-energy meter of claim33, wherein the radio-communications antenna is notched at a bendingpoint of the radio-frequency feed, the ground feed, and the mount tab.35. The electrical-energy meter of claim 1, wherein the circuit-boardsupport member includes a key adjoining the rim portion and adapted tosecurely receive one of the contact blades.